Is it Safe to Trek Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Is it Safe to Trek Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park : It’s normal to be apprehensive about visiting the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Some of the worry arises from the thickness of the forest, while others are concerned because a portion of the forest borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Half of the world’s endangered Mountain gorillas live at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Many visitors travel to Uganda to witness these wonderful creatures, but they are lured in by the warmth and generosity of the Ugandan people. Several bird species, including Albertine rift endemics, live in the woodland.
Many massive trees form a wide canopy in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it difficult for sunlight to penetrate in some areas. There are thick bushes beneath the trees that make passage difficult. Paths have been constructed in certain areas, allowing you to explore through the thick woods.
The steep slopes of the forest situated on hilly terrain are one of the most difficult obstacles. We recommend that you enter the jungle with suitable hiking shoes and a walking stick while on a gorilla trekking hike since gorillas continue to move in places where there are no pathways. Remember to bring a raincoat with you on this walk because Bwindi is a tropical jungle and rain might fall at any time.
Every day, the park guards visit the forest before the guide and clients enter. When you enter the forest, you have armed escorts to defend you in case you encounter forest elephants and buffaloes that are irritated for whatever reason. It is important to follow the ranger guide’s directions and not deviate from the route since you might quickly get lost.
Mountain gorillas are typically calm animals that are not as violent as baboons or even humans when it comes to safety. It is thus safe to be in their presence, although with some caution. For example, gorillas are not used to bright light, so flashes from a camera can easily catch them off guard and cause them to become defensively aggressive. However, before embarking on a gorilla hike, guests are instructed on all safety procedures at the park headquarters.
The gorillas tracked by visitors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park go through a habituation process in which they become accustomed to humans and recognize that being in their vicinity does not pose a threat to them, which would typically prompt them to attack you in defense.
There is no reason to be concerned about catching an illness from mountain gorillas. Instead, it is the health of the gorillas that is jeopardized when visitors visit them. As a result, tourists who are unwell with cough and flu are not permitted to embark on a gorilla walk. This is to save the endangered gorillas from becoming ill. You should also keep a safe distance of around 8 meters between you and them. Of course, a stubborn juvenile gorilla will want to touch a guest every now and again, but you are advised to keep calm and quite so as not to frighten the infants or provoke the Silverback.
Overall, it is safe to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Uganda’s many other parks. To create secure locations, security organizations collaborate with park rangers. Locals are active in community policing because they recognize the value of tourism in their town. Come and see the magnificent gentle giants of Bwindi Forest.
Other Activities to do besides Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
You can always combine your gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable national park with other interesting activities such as; bird watching, Batwa Trail Experience, Community tours, guided nature walks in Bwindi Impenetrable forest, lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park, game drive safari in Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo national parks, Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel, or Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park.
What to pack when trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Because Uganda is a tropical nation with erratic weather, rain gear is one of the major requirements for tourists visiting the country.
- Insect repellent
- Recommended clothing โ long trousers and long sleeved sweaters or shirts while in the forest to avoid insect and plant stings.
- Sturdy hiking boots are essential, especially ones you have used before.
- Drinking water, however eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is strictly forbidden โ your guide will communicate designated time and place.
- Photography is permitted, although you must not use flash
- Porters are available to help you carry your day-pack for a small charge.
- You will not be allowed to trek gorillas if you have communicable disease like flu or cough
Conclusion: Gorilla trekking is a popular safari activity in Uganda. It has been noticed that the number of mountain gorillas has risen as a result of numerous non-governmental and government conservation efforts. These regions are safe for both visitors and gorillas, with few or no poaching incidents reported as a result of other income streams accessible to locals in the area as a result of increased profits from gorilla tourism hence Is it Safe to Trek Gorillas in Bwindi .
